INNOVATION
Our systems are shaped through ongoing research, industrial design, testing and real-world application. Combining nature, engineering and fabrication to develop green infrastructure that performs over time.
From the development of the Breathing Wall through to the evolution of the X-Frame module system, we focus on how living systems can become more deeply integrated within contemporary architecture and urban environments.
Working across design, horticulture, engineering and scientific research, Folia Network continues to refine systems that support healthier, more resilient and more sustainable cities.
DESIGN-LED SYSTEMS
At the centre of this work is the X-Frame module. A deceptively simple two-piece snap-fit system designed to simplify installation, improve maintenance access and support long-term system performance.
The X-Frame allows spacing, irrigation and drainage infrastructure to be installed prior to planting, reducing handling stress on plants and streamlining project delivery on site. The result is a modular green wall system that balances technical performance with clarity of form and ease of maintenance.
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THE BREATHING WALL
Using integrated fan systems to move air through the plant root zone, the Breathing Wall enhances the natural process of biofiltration. Improving the removal of airborne pollutants within the built environment.
The project forms part of an ongoing research program investigating how green infrastructure systems can contribute not only to urban greening, but also to environmental performance and occupant wellbeing.
RESEARCH & VALIDATION
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Over 20+ Peer-Reviewed Publications
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8+ Years of Research Collaboration
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2 Dedicated Technical Research Reports
- Research Partnerships with UTS and Leading Environmental Researchers
Real-world Active Air Cleaning →
Testing demonstrated that the Junglefy Breathing Wall removes airborne particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in operational environments, validating performance beyond laboratory conditions.
The Breathing Wall Development →
Research undertaken with UTS supported the development and optimisation of the Junglefy Breathing Wall system, exploring airflow, filtration performance and system design.
Plants & Engineering Working Together →
Research has demonstrated that the Junglefy Breathing Wall, a powerful combination of a planting systems with engineered airflow, significantly improves biofiltration performance compared with passive systems alone.
Research Continues →
Research remains ongoing, expanding into topics including irrigation optimisation, odour reduction, additional pollutant removal pathways and long-term environmental performance.
ONGOING INNOVATION, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Our systems evolve through observation, testing and long-term performance feedback gathered across real projects and environments.
Research and development remain central to how we work, informing everything from planting systems and irrigation strategies through to maintenance access, manufacturing methodologies and environmental performance.
By combining scientific research with practical field experience, we continue to expand the role living systems can play within the built environment.
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SELECTED RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS
2025
Matheson S, Fleck R, Pettit T, Irga PJ, Torpy FR. (2025). Active botanical biofilters for nitrogen dioxide and ozone removal using granular activated carbon. International Journal of Phytoremediation, 27(11), 1589–1601. doi: 10.1080/15226514.2025.2512171.
2024
Lyu L, Matheson S, Fleck R, Torpy FR, Irga PJ. (2024). Modulating phytoremediation: How drip irrigation systems affect performance of active green walls and microbial community changes. Journal of Environmental Management, 370. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122646
2023
Irga, P.J., Morgan, A., Fleck, R., Torpy, F.R. Phytoremediation of indoor air pollutants from construction and transport by a moveable active green wall system. Atmospheric Pollution Research. 2023, 14(10). doi.org/10.1016/j.apr.2023.101896.
2022
Pettit T, et al. (2022). The botanical biofiltration of volatile organic compounds and particulate matter derived from cigarette smoke. Chemosphere, 307, Part 1, 135770. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135770.
2021
Pettit, T., Torpy, F.R., Surawski, N.C., Fleck, R., & Irga, P.J. (2021). Effective reduction of roadside air pollution with botanical biofiltration. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 414. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125566.
2020
Pettit, T., Irga, P.J., Torpy, F.R. The botanical biofiltration of elevated air pollution concentrations associated the Black Summer wildfire natural disaster. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters, 2020 (1). doi.org/10.1016/j.hazl.2020.100003.
Paull NJ, Krix D, Torpy FR, Irga PJ. (2020). Can green walls reduce outdoor ambient particulate matter, noise pollution and temperature? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(14), 5084. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17145084.
2019
Pettit T, Irga PJ, Torpy FR. (2019). The in situ pilot-scale phytoremediation of airborne VOCs and particulate matter with an active green wall. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, 12, 33–44. doi: 10.1007/s11869-018-0618-9.
Pettit T, Bettes M, Chapman A, Hoch L, James N, Irga PJ, Torpy FR. (2019). The botanical biofiltration of VOCs with active airflow: is removal efficiency related to chemical properties? Atmospheric Environment, 214, 116839. doi: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2019.116839.
2018
Pettit T, Irga PJ, Torpy FR. (2018). Functional green wall development for increasing air pollutant phytoremediation: substrate development with coconut coir and activated carbon. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 360, 594–603. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.08.048.
2017
Torpy FR, Zavattaro M, Irga PJ. (2017). Green wall technology for the phytoremediation of indoor air: a system for the reduction of high CO₂ concentrations. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, 10, 575–585. doi: 10.1007/s11869-016-0452-x.
Pettit TJ, Irga PJ, Abdo P, Torpy FR. (2017). Do the plants in functional green walls contribute to their ability to filter particulate matter? Building and Environment, 125, 299–307. doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2017.09.004.
Irga PJ, Paull NJ, Abdo P, Torpy FR. (2017). An assessment of the atmospheric particle removal efficiency of an in-room botanical biofilter system. Building and Environment, 115, 281–290. doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2017.01.035.
Irga PJ, Paull NJ, Abdo P, Huynh BP, Avakian V, Nguyen T, Torpy FR. (2017). Developing the Junglefy Breathing Wall for Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Remediation. University of Technology Sydney Technical Report.
Pettit T, Irga PJ, Abdo P, Huynh B, Stephen J, Torpy FR. (2017). Development and Augmentation of the Junglefy Breathing Wall. University of Technology Sydney Technical Report.